Google Chromecast vs. Roku 3500R Streaming Stick

The Google Chromecast and the Roku Streaming Stick (3500R) are two products whose many similarities will force people to decide between them. Both are very good products, yet ultimately produce different results that will be appealing to different types of audiences.

Having used both of these products, I can say that they both perform well, but it is important to know the individual capabilities of each device before deciding which one is right for you. Our comparison of the Google Chromecast vs. the Roku Streaming Stick below will point out the strengths and weaknesses of each device to help you choose the correct product.

Chromecast

Roku (3500R) Streaming Stick

iOS/Android compatibility

Yes

Yes

Remote control

No

Yes

Dual-band Wi-Fi

Yes

Yes

Wired connection

No

No

Netflix

Yes

Yes

Hulu Plus

Yes

Yes

Web browser compatibility

Yes (Chrome)

No

HBO Go

Yes

Yes

Pandora

Yes

Yes

Spotify

No

Yes

Vudu

Yes

Yes

YouTube

Yes

Yes

Amazon Prime

No

Yes

Google Play Store

Yes

No

Plex

Yes

Yes

Crackle

Yes

Yes

Reasons to Pick the Chromecast Over the Roku Streaming Stick

The Chromecast has done a good job of building up its’ library of compatible applications since its’ release in November 2013, but it still lacks the volume of options available on the Roku.

But if you have purchased a lot of movies, TV shows and music from the Google Play Store, or if you think that you will be using the Chrome browser mirroring from your computer a lot, then these are features that are only found on the Chromecast.

The Chromecast is also the less expensive of the two devices, and when you are dealing with products in this price range, that $15 difference is a considerable percentage of the total purchase price.

One important thing to note is that the Chromecast will continue to build up its’ library of compatible applications, meaning that many of the popular apps that are currently only on the Roku will likely be found on the Chromecast at some point.

Reasons to Pick the Roku Streaming Stick Over the Chromecast

The Roku channel library is arguably the biggest advantage that the Roku devices have over other products in this marketplace. There are over 1000 different channels available, including almost every major source of streaming video content that you might want to watch.

The Roku also has a dedicated, full-size remote control, whereas the Chromecast will require you to use a smartphone, tablet or computer to control the content that you view on your screen. While this may not be a problem for individuals that are constantly within arm’s reach of these devices, children or less technologically-inclined people may have trouble using the device.

Conclusion

The larger content library on the Roku, combined with the dedicated remote control, certainly help to make up the price gap between these two products.

But if you are simply looking for a device that will allow you to watch Netflix and YouTube, and you do not mind using a phone or table to control your device, then the lower price of the Chromecast will be hard to pass up.